Tuesday, 22 October 2013
AUTHOR MAKES APPEARANCE AT PENARTH BOOK FESTIVAL
Author Eileen Younghusband was in Penarth yesterday to give a talk about her latest book 'Men I Have Known'. Held at All Saint's Church, over forty attendees listened intently to Eileen's memories as she recalled the interesting men she has met over the course of a rich and varied life of 92 years. Eileen was joined by retired BBC Radio Wales journalist Hugh Turnbull, who quizzed her about the film stars, politicians, poets, scientists and other extraordinary men who made an impact on her life.
'Men I Have Known' is available in hardback from Candy Jar Books, online or via all good bookshops.
You can watch the video here!
https://youtu.be/YuGJPOgoRIs
Monday, 30 September 2013
WATERSTONES WELCOMES EILEEN!
To promote the release of her latest book Men I Have Known, Eileen spent Saturday signing copies in Waterstones Cardiff.
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| Eileen with her books and PBP trophy. |
Eager to speak with the public, Eileen was able to talk about her time in the Secret Filter Room during WW2 with war enthusiasts, as well as any passer-by with a hint of curiosity.
It gave her a chance to speak about the impressive range of men she has met throughout her eventful life, as covered in the her fascinating new book Men I Have Known. The list includes Dylan Thomas, Rex Harrison, John Barrowman and even Idi Amin - all having varied degrees of impact on Eileen herself.
Click here to order your copy.
Monday, 16 September 2013
EILEEN TAKES A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE!
For many it would have been an informative trip to the museum, but for Eileen Younghusband, visiting the Bentley Priory on Thursday was an experience of enormous nostalgia.
The cause of her visit was for the commemoration of Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding - the man who led the team of officers working with Radar information collected from the stations around Britain's coast to detect enemy fire. The day featured a reveal of the site's recreation of the famous Filter Room - where Eileen worked relentlessly during WW2 when detecting enemy V2 rockets headed for Britain. She was accompanied by eight other WAAF veterans as part of the event's VIP guests.
The Filter Room was of vital importance to the outcome of the Battle of Britain, with the air-raid warnings a direct result of the WAAF's work in calculating the necessary information to detect where and when potential attacks were to occur.
However, the day was made even more significant due to the attendance of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Eileen was able to share a few moments of chatter with Prince Charles, speaking about her experiences of the war. In a bizarre reflection of history, they were surrounded by commemorative bronze statues of the various members who worked in the Filter Room - one of which was modelled after Eileen herself. She spoke of the Prince of Wales in high regard, stating that he had "a great sense of humour."
Ultimately, the event took place in order to acknowledge the secret efforts made to ensure the protection of Britain. Speaking of the day, Eileen says "For me, it was sadness and joy mixed together - remembering the dedication and comradeship of my fellow WAAF no longer here, but also reliving those days of struggle and hard work. It was a unique day and one which I will never forget."
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| Bentley Priory |
The cause of her visit was for the commemoration of Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding - the man who led the team of officers working with Radar information collected from the stations around Britain's coast to detect enemy fire. The day featured a reveal of the site's recreation of the famous Filter Room - where Eileen worked relentlessly during WW2 when detecting enemy V2 rockets headed for Britain. She was accompanied by eight other WAAF veterans as part of the event's VIP guests.
 |
| The unveiling of the Air Chief Marshall Sir Hugh Dowding statuette |
The Filter Room was of vital importance to the outcome of the Battle of Britain, with the air-raid warnings a direct result of the WAAF's work in calculating the necessary information to detect where and when potential attacks were to occur.
However, the day was made even more significant due to the attendance of the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Eileen was able to share a few moments of chatter with Prince Charles, speaking about her experiences of the war. In a bizarre reflection of history, they were surrounded by commemorative bronze statues of the various members who worked in the Filter Room - one of which was modelled after Eileen herself. She spoke of the Prince of Wales in high regard, stating that he had "a great sense of humour."
 |
| Eileen's statue proudly stands as the display's centrepiece |
Ultimately, the event took place in order to acknowledge the secret efforts made to ensure the protection of Britain. Speaking of the day, Eileen says "For me, it was sadness and joy mixed together - remembering the dedication and comradeship of my fellow WAAF no longer here, but also reliving those days of struggle and hard work. It was a unique day and one which I will never forget."
Monday, 2 September 2013
MEN I HAVE KNOWN - EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND
Men I Have Known - Eileen Younghusband
Eileen Younghusband’s latest book is an autobiographical account of the friendships and rapport with men, both famous and unknown, that she has cultivated in her life, and the impact they have had on her. Including detailed and personal accounts of meeting men such as Rex Harrison, Dylan Thomas and John Barrowman, Men I Have Known recounts an enthralling 92 years of intrigue, adventure and tragedy.
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
ONE WOMAN'S WAR AND THE PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE - VIDEO
In May this year, Candy Jar author Eileen Younghusband was thrilled to learn that her book 'One Woman's War' won the People's Book Prize for non-fiction.
One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and gives a unique insight into life in the top secret filter rooms of World War Two.
Eileen was overjoyed in receiving the prize – attending the award ceremony at Stationer's Hall in London. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”
You can watch a video interview with Eileen here:
\
The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE.
One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99. A DVD version, featuring historical footage from WW2, can also be bought from Candy Jar Books.
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and gives a unique insight into life in the top secret filter rooms of World War Two.
Eileen was overjoyed in receiving the prize – attending the award ceremony at Stationer's Hall in London. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”
You can watch a video interview with Eileen here:
\
The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE.
One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99. A DVD version, featuring historical footage from WW2, can also be bought from Candy Jar Books.
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Monday, 8 July 2013
ONE WOMAN'S PHWOAR!
Our award-winning author, Eileen Younghusband, got a visit yesterday from her friend, actor John Barrowman, who also appears in her latest book, Men I Have Known. Mr Barrowman posted a picture of the visit which you can see by following this link.
Friday, 5 July 2013
MEN I HAVE KNOWN LAUNCHES AT COWBRIDGE BOOK FESTIVAL
Author Eileen has published her second title through Candy Jar Books, Men I Have Known.
Not a straightforward autobiography, Men I Have Known is a tribute to the variety, the skills and the different characters of the huge range of people she has come across during a long life enriched by travel and adventure but also coloured by more than its fair share of tragedy. Giving a unique, intimate and personal perspective on some of the most influential men of the twentieth century, as well as some characters hitherto unknown, Eileen writes about Winston Churchill, Rex Harrison, Dylan Thomas, members of NASA, musicians at Glyndebourne, actors, caterers, soldiers, politicians, and even Idi Amin!
Eileen was interview by radio and TV broadcaster Roy Noble and you can watch it here:
The book is now available via all good book stores, online and via the Candy Jar website.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Not a straightforward autobiography, Men I Have Known is a tribute to the variety, the skills and the different characters of the huge range of people she has come across during a long life enriched by travel and adventure but also coloured by more than its fair share of tragedy. Giving a unique, intimate and personal perspective on some of the most influential men of the twentieth century, as well as some characters hitherto unknown, Eileen writes about Winston Churchill, Rex Harrison, Dylan Thomas, members of NASA, musicians at Glyndebourne, actors, caterers, soldiers, politicians, and even Idi Amin!
Eileen was interview by radio and TV broadcaster Roy Noble and you can watch it here:
The book is now available via all good book stores, online and via the Candy Jar website.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Monday, 1 July 2013
EILEEN VISITS INSOLE COURT!
For a recent signing event, Eileen paid a visit to the Victorian Gothic mansion Insole Court in Llandaff, promoting One Woman's War, Not An Ordinary Life and her next project Men I Have Known. She spent the day talking and discussing her experiences about WWII as well as the many significant men she has met throughout her life.
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| Eileen with her first two books. |
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| She spent much time talking about her experiences with the visitors. |
Friday, 31 May 2013
EILEEN APPEARS IN THE SOUTH WALES ECHO!
Hot off her success at The People's Book Prize awards ceremony and her British Empire Medal (BEM), Eileen finds herself getting some well-deserved recognition for her achievments in today's edition of the South Wales Echo:
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| Eileen Younghusband with her award-winning book 'One Woman's War'. |
Thursday, 30 May 2013
EILEEN WINS PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE!
Candy Jar Books is pleased to announce that author Eileen Younghusband has been named winner of The People’s Book Prize in the non-fiction 2012/2013 category.
Beating the competition of twelve other entries, it marks a proud moment in Eileen’s extraordinary life, as well as being a significant development in Candy Jar’s publishing career. The national literary prize, The People’s Book Prize had been accepting votes since reopening on May 21st. Candy Jar Books had two finalists shortlisted for the prize, Terry Cooper and Eileen Younghusband.
Both published by Cardiff-based Candy Jar Books, 91-year-old Eileen Younghusband’s book One Woman’s War had been shortlisted in the non-fiction category while Terry Cooper’s Kangazang!: Star Stuff beat other titles to become a nominated finalist in the fiction category of the competition.
With this proud victory comes another day of celebration. Tomorrow (Thursday) Eileen is attending a Buckingham Palace garden party to receive her British Empire Medal (BEM). The British Empire Medal is awarded to individuals for civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.
Eileen was overjoyed in getting the prize. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”
The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE. Eileen wrote her book to help raise the awareness of the fundamental work of the Filter Room during the Second World War.
One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She often conducts talks within the community and has recently appeared on the BBC’s The One Show in a short film discussing V2 rockets. Her book has even been endorsed by the likes of John Barrowman and Carwyn Jones.
Kangazang! Star Stuff is the second book of the hilarious Kangazang! Sci-Fi trilogy. The books have received rave reviews from the likes of former Doctor Who, Colin Baker and Starburst magazine who described his writing as “better than [Douglas] Adams”.
Although both Eileen and Terry are indeed pleased to have made it to the finalists, Eileen’s victory as winner of the non-fiction category serves as a fine example of a thrilling and unique perspective on one of Britain’s ‘darkest hours’, giving readers access to a previously secretive operation. Eileen and Candy Jar Books are both very grateful for all votes received, resulting in a momentous and proud moment for both parties involved.
For her next project, Eileen will release a book entitled Men I have Known – a chronicling of her various encounters in 91 years with many men of the world including Dylan Thomas, Idi Amin and Rex Harrison. Beyond the format of autobiography, it will instead focus on the difference and range of all the men that Eileen has met, providing an insightful perspective on the 20th Century and its key moments. Voting reopened on the 21st May and continued until the awards ceremony on 29th May.
One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99.
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
 |
| From left to right: TPBP Winners: Griselda Heppel (Ante’s Inferno), Tatiana Wilson (TPBP Founder), Eileen Younghusband (One Woman’s War), Frederick Forsyth CBE (TPBP Patron), Tony Humpreys (TPBP Director), Amy Elliott-Smith (A Guide to Becoming Distinctly Average), William Ayot (E-Mail From the Soul) |
Eileen was overjoyed in getting the prize. She said: “I would like to thank everybody for voting for me. I am delighted. However, I do feel some of the recognition must go to the small band of women who went to war and contributed to victory in the Filter Rooms of RAF Fighter Command in the defence of Britain. I dedicate this award to all of them.”
The People’s Book Prize is a literary competition open to all published authors and judged solely by the general public. The annual event presented its first awards in 2010 following the death of its founding patron Dame Beryl Bainbridge DBE. Eileen wrote her book to help raise the awareness of the fundamental work of the Filter Room during the Second World War.
One Woman’s War is a personal account of war as a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). She often conducts talks within the community and has recently appeared on the BBC’s The One Show in a short film discussing V2 rockets. Her book has even been endorsed by the likes of John Barrowman and Carwyn Jones.
Kangazang! Star Stuff is the second book of the hilarious Kangazang! Sci-Fi trilogy. The books have received rave reviews from the likes of former Doctor Who, Colin Baker and Starburst magazine who described his writing as “better than [Douglas] Adams”.
Although both Eileen and Terry are indeed pleased to have made it to the finalists, Eileen’s victory as winner of the non-fiction category serves as a fine example of a thrilling and unique perspective on one of Britain’s ‘darkest hours’, giving readers access to a previously secretive operation. Eileen and Candy Jar Books are both very grateful for all votes received, resulting in a momentous and proud moment for both parties involved.
 |
| Eileen wins the TPBP for Non-Fiction |
For her next project, Eileen will release a book entitled Men I have Known – a chronicling of her various encounters in 91 years with many men of the world including Dylan Thomas, Idi Amin and Rex Harrison. Beyond the format of autobiography, it will instead focus on the difference and range of all the men that Eileen has met, providing an insightful perspective on the 20th Century and its key moments. Voting reopened on the 21st May and continued until the awards ceremony on 29th May.
One Woman's War by Eileen Younghusband is available as a paperback priced £8.99.
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
PEOPLE'S BOOK PRIZE TONIGHT
A final word of encouragement to those that haven't voted yet for the People's Book Prize: with mere hours away before the winners are announced later on tonight, now is your final chance to have your say in who should be the victor!
With Eileen Younghusband's One Woman's War as part of the line-up (alongside Terry Cooper's Kangazang! Star Stuff) we are officially excited about tonight's event!
We have all worked to create something we are immensely proud of here at Candy Jar, and wish good luck to both Eileen and Terry in what is surely an exciting time for them as well!
Click on the link and cast your vote. You can find Eileen's One Woman's War under the 'non-fiction' category, and Terry Cooper's Kangazang under 'ficton'.
Get on it!:www.peoplesbookprize.com/finalist.php
With Eileen Younghusband's One Woman's War as part of the line-up (alongside Terry Cooper's Kangazang! Star Stuff) we are officially excited about tonight's event!
We have all worked to create something we are immensely proud of here at Candy Jar, and wish good luck to both Eileen and Terry in what is surely an exciting time for them as well!
Click on the link and cast your vote. You can find Eileen's One Woman's War under the 'non-fiction' category, and Terry Cooper's Kangazang under 'ficton'.
Get on it!:www.peoplesbookprize.com/finalist.php
Thursday, 16 May 2013
CELEBRATING THE DAMBUSTERS
Little did I realise when I reported for duty at 1600 hours for the eight hour evening watch on May 16th 1943 what was ahead in the next few hours. Nor did I imagine that I would be part of the Filter Room team at Fighter Command HQ, Bentley Priory, tracking the flight of the Dambusters on their famous raid on the Mohne, Sorbe and Eder Dams on the Ruhr.
The Bomber Command teams, consisting of nineteen aircraft from 617 Squadron, left RAF Scampton on the night of 16th May in three groups. The first group was led by Squadron Leader Guy Gibson and included Mickie Martin, seconded from the Royal Australian Air Force. The second and third group followed at regular intervals. They were carrying the new “earthquake” bouncing bomb, invented by Barnes Wallis, scientist, engineer and inventor. The object was to drop their bombs on the approach to the dam wall so that it would be breached and cause vast flooding throughout the Ruhr area. This was where the majority of the vast manufacturing facilities were, producing Germany’s war weapons.
We picked them up as they left the British coast, heading for Germany and crossing via Holland. Flying low in order to evade German Radar, we were able to track them with our Chain Low Radar units. We had no idea of the importance of this mission. History tells us that the first wave managed successfully to drop two bombs breaching the Mohnesee dam. The following groups were not so successful. However, sufficient damage was done to put many factories out of action for some months and because of the flooding of agricultural land, cripple food production for many years. Sadly, many of the foreign slave workers from Belgian, Holland and France, employed in making armaments, were also killed.
When we picked up the aircraft tracks on their return, it was obvious we had lost a large number of aircraft in this operation. We were always advised of the squadrons operating and frequently several of the Filter Room personnel would have family or boy friends amongst the crews. Yet, they never failed in their duties, continuing to plot, to filter or to tell – the necessary tasks in this vital part of the Dowding System, which defended our shores and tracked our air crews.
Years later in the sixties, when running The Duke Hotel at Bratton, I had the privilege of meeting Mickie Martin and other members of that memorable operation when they called in for a meal during a reunion. On learning that my husband and I were both wartime members of the Royal Air Force, in no time a party developed and we played one of the games the crews indulged when letting off steam after an operation. Everyone would crouch on the floor, blindfolded and clutching a rolled newspaper. The object was to target a fellow player. If we managed to hit him with our paper, they were then out of the game until there was only one left – the winner then enjoyed free drinks for the rest of the night.
And now seventy years later on this special anniversary, the memories all come flooding back.
Eileen
Tuesday, 14 May 2013
EILEEN APPEARS ON THE ONE SHOW!
Author Eileen Younghusband recently appeared on BBC's The One Show, talking about how she helped track Hitler's V2 rockets during World War Two.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
www.onewomanswar.co.uk
Monday, 22 April 2013
EILEEN APPEARS IN THE TIMES
Eileen is no stranger to publicity having previously appeared on BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio Wales. She will also soon be featuring on BBC's The One Show where she will be demonstrating how she used her keen maths skills to track Hitler's deadly V2 rockets.
You can read the full article online (via subscription) here.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
EILEEN APPEARS IN THE TIMES!
Author Eileen Younghusband appeared in the Times newspaper today in an article that talks about her time as a WW2 WAAF officer as well as her upcoming book 'Men I Have Known' which gives an account of the numerous interesting men she's met over the course of her life.
Eileen is no stranger to publicity having previously appeared on BBC Breakfast and BBC Radio Wales. She will also soon be featuring on BBC's The One Show where she will be demonstrating how she used her keen maths skills to track Hitler's deadly V2 rockets.
You can read the full article online (via subscription) here.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Friday, 19 April 2013
EILEEN TO APPEAR ON THE ONE SHOW!
Eileen Younghusband (author of 'One Woman's War' and soon-to-be-released 'Men I Have Known') has just completed filming for the BBC’s The One Show. She was approached by the TV show’s producers to talk about her World War II experiences, in particular her work in the Filter Room.
Here's how her day of filming went last week:"It was a day starting at 9 o'clock filming with the presenter Marty Joplin in my house and then a 12 o'clock we had lunch in a village by the Severn Bridge. Transferring to a Land Rover, we headed into the depths of the countryside across a very muddy field which was licensed for rocket launching. We then got stuck in the mud in the middle of a vast field and had to be pulled out by the farmer and his tractor!As we waited for the rocket to be set up and launched, it was glorious sunshine but just when it was ready, torrential April showers and a thunderstorm arrived with vivid lightening. so we filmed under an umbrella. The first two rockets failed to ignite so we had another wait back in the Land Rover. The third was successful but we again filmed in pouring rain.
We did two filmings with a rocket. The second successful one launched well but it should have had a small parachute emerge as it landed so as not to break the rocket – this one failed to open! Fortunately this part was not filmed but the rocketeers were left with a very expensive ruined rocket! After that, we filmed in the Land Rover discussing maths whereupon the sun came out and an enormous rainbow appeared.
We moved to a narrow lane where they set up a model V2 with its correct markings, nose down in the grass, and we then explained all the calculations, waving my slide rule in the air – I was told to explain it clearly and simply! Unfortunately Marty’s mike was not working and then the camera got rain on its lens but we eventually did two good takes. Finally the order came to WRAP!
The date of broadcast has yet to be confirmed, but we will post an update as soon as we know.
www.candyjarbooks.co.uk
Monday, 25 February 2013
EILEEN ON THE ROY NOBLE SHOW
Author of One Woman's War and Men I Have Known, Eileen Younghusband has made her most recent public appearance on BBC Wales' Roy Noble show.
During her interview Eileen tells of her historical surname, receiving late-night phone calls from Hollywood screenwriter Robert Towne, and receiving the honour of a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to lifelong learning. Eileen will receive her medal this summer from a Lord-Lieutenant and will also attend this year's garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Listen to Eileen's interview here.
One Woman's War is available now from www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/onewomanswar.html
The One Woman's War DVD is also available now from www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/owwdvd.html
During her interview Eileen tells of her historical surname, receiving late-night phone calls from Hollywood screenwriter Robert Towne, and receiving the honour of a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to lifelong learning. Eileen will receive her medal this summer from a Lord-Lieutenant and will also attend this year's garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Listen to Eileen's interview here.
One Woman's War is available now from www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/onewomanswar.html
The One Woman's War DVD is also available now from www.candy-jar.co.uk/books/owwdvd.html
Friday, 4 January 2013
EILEEN YOUNGHUSBAND BEM
Candy Jar is proud to announce that author Eileen Younghusband has been recognised on the 2013 New Years honour list!
Eileen has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to lifelong learning; she was delighted and surprised to receive the news. As a student at the Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning, she obtained a degree aged 87 and has continued to campaign against cuts to adult education.
The British Empire Medal, also referred to as "the people's medal", is awarded for meritorious civilian or military service worthy of recognition. Although established in 1922, use of the award was suspended from 1992 until last year when it was revived as part of the Queen's birthday celebrations.
Eileen will be presented with the award in her home county by a Lord-Lieutenant, a representative of the Crown, and is excited to attend this year's garden party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.
ITV News
BBC Wales
www.candy-jar.co.uk
Eileen has been awarded a British Empire Medal for her services to lifelong learning; she was delighted and surprised to receive the news. As a student at the Cardiff University Centre for Lifelong Learning, she obtained a degree aged 87 and has continued to campaign against cuts to adult education.
The British Empire Medal, also referred to as "the people's medal", is awarded for meritorious civilian or military service worthy of recognition. Although established in 1922, use of the award was suspended from 1992 until last year when it was revived as part of the Queen's birthday celebrations.
Eileen will be presented with the award in her home county by a Lord-Lieutenant, a representative of the Crown, and is excited to attend this year's garden party at Buckingham Palace in the summer.
ITV News
BBC Wales
www.candy-jar.co.uk
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